OutServe Posts DADT Training Materials

The group OutServe has begun providing copies of the DADT repeal implementation materials. Here's what they have so far:

Early Army DADT repeal training

Share Posted on February 25, 2011

Below are 4 documents that show some training the Army has handed out. The Powerpoint is specific to JAGs, but the other documents are generic for Army Training for the repeal of DADT.

Army DADT FAQs

DADT_Enclosure_4_-_Army_Guiding_Principles

10 things you need to know for DADT Repeal

DADT Powerpoint JAG

Navy Tier 3 Training

Share Posted on February 28, 2011

The below links are from the Navy Tier 3 (General Population Training). The Tier 3 Training has now begun and the mobile teams in the Navy appear to be starting their training early next month at various bases.

Navy DADT Pamphlet

Navy DADT Slides

Navy DADT Presenter Guidance

Navy Lecture Handout

Marines Set Date of 31 May

Share Posted on February 16, 2011

Date Signed: 2/16/2011
MARADMIN Active 108/11 2011

R 161455Z FEB 11
UNCLASSIFIED//
MARADMIN 108/11
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/EXECUTION GUIDANCE FOR REPEAL OF DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL//
REF/A/MSGID:DOC/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC/22DEC2010//
REF/B/MSGID:DOC/TITLE 10 US CODE, SECTION 654/-//
REF/C/MSGID:MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC/231709ZDEC2010//
REF/D/MSGID:DOC/CMC WASHINGTON DC/28JAN2011//
NARR/REF A IS SECDEF MEMO DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL REPEAL LEGISLATION ANNOUNCEMENT. REF B IS 10 U.S.C. SECTION 654 (DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL). REF C IS ALMAR 047-10, REPEAL OF DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL. REF D IS SECDEF MEMO, IMPLEMENTATION OF A REPEAL OF TITLE 10, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 654 INCLUDING THE TERMS OF REFERENCE.//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/

1. THIS MARADMIN PROVIDES EXECUTION GUIDANCE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REPEAL OF THE DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL POLICY.

2. ON 22 DECEMBER 2010, THE PRESIDENT SIGNED A LAW THAT SET THE CONDITIONS FOR THE REPEAL OF 10 U.S.C. SECTION 654, COMMONLY KNOWN AS DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL. THE REPEAL WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE 60 DAYS AFTER THE PRESIDENT TRANSMITS TO THE CONGRESSIONAL DEFENSE COMMITTEES THE CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY THE STATUTE. UNTIL THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF REPEAL, 10 U.S.C. SECTION 654 AND ASSOCIATED POLICIES REMAIN IN EFFECT, AND HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT REMAINS A BASIS FOR SEPARATION FROM MILITARY SERVICE.

3. SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION DEPENDS ON LEADERSHIP, PROFESSIONALISM, DISCIPLINE, AND RESPECT, WHICH MUST CONTINUE TO BE PRACTICED AT ALL TIMES AND IN ALL SITUATIONS. LEADERS AT ALL LEVELS MUST SET THE EXAMPLE AND MUST BE FULLY COMMITTED TO DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) INTENT TO SUSTAIN UNIT EFFECTIVENESS, READINESS, AND COHESION. IN THE PROFESSION OF ARMS, ADHERENCE TO STANDARDS OF CONDUCT IS ESSENTIAL, EACH SERVICE MEMBER MUST BE TREATED WITH RESPECT AND DIGNITY, AND LEADERSHIP IS KEY TO CREATING AND SUSTAINING SUCH AN ENVIRONMENT AND COMMAND CLIMATE WHERE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADVANCE AND ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE IS AVAILABLE TO ALL.

4. TRAINING
A. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. ALL ACTIVE COMPONENT MARINES, RESERVE COMPONENT MARINES (MINUS INDIVIDUAL READY RESERVE (IRR) UNLESS ON ACTIVE DUTY), AND CIVILIAN SUPERVISORS OF MARINES MUST UNDERGO REPEAL IMPLEMENTATION TRAINING. IRR MARINES WILL BE TRAINED WHEN THEY NEXT ENTER INTO A FEDERAL STATUS. UNITS SCHEDULED TO DEPLOY WILL COMPLETE THE TRAINING PRIOR TO DEPLOYING. UNITS THAT WILL NOT REDEPLOY BEFORE 31 MAY 2011 WILL BE TRAINED WHILE STILL IN THEATER.
B. TRAINING PLAN. THE DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW WORKING GROUP DEVELOPED A FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION WITH THREE TIERS OF TRAINING AND EDUCATION, EACH TARGETED TO DIFFERENT GROUPS.
(1) TIER 1 – EXPERT/SPECIAL STAFF LEVEL (E.G., STAFF JUDGE ADVOCATES, CHAPLAINS, RECRUITERS, MILITARY PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALISTS, MILITARY LAW ENFORCEMENT, MILITARY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS, FAMILY READINESS OFFICERS, MILITARY EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ADVISORS, INSPECTORS GENERAL, PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICERS AND HEALTH SERVICES PERSONNEL). SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS FROM HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS (HQMC) WILL TRAIN AND EDUCATE THOSE WITHIN THEIR SPECIFIC COMMUNITY ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW POLICY NO LATER THAN 15 MARCH 2011.
(2) TIER 2 – LEADER LEVEL (E.G., COMMANDERS, SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISORS AND CIVILIAN SUPERVISORS OF MARINES).
(A) DESIGNATED MARINE FORCE (MARFOR) AND MAJOR SUBORDINATE COMMAND (MSC) MARINES RECEIVED TIER 2 TRAINING AND EDUCATION AT HQMC ON 3 FEBRUARY 2011. THESE LEADERS WILL LEAD IN TRAINING THE REMAINING TIER 2 LEADERS WITHIN THEIR MARFOR/MSC NO LATER THAN 15 MARCH 2011.
(B) LEADERS TRAINED AT HQMC WERE PROVIDED WITH THE COMMANDER’S TOOLKIT WHICH INCLUDES THE COMMANDANT AND SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE MARINE CORPS VIDEO, EXECUTION GUIDANCE, PUBLIC AFFAIRS TALKING POINTS, FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, VIGNETTES, TIER 1 POINT PAPERS, TIER 2 AND 3 BRIEFS, USMC PUBLICATION AND REFERENCE CHANGES, AND THE SUPPORT PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION. THE COMMANDER’S TOOLKIT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT WEBSITE ON 1 MARCH 2011.
(3) TIER 3 – MARINES, SAILORS ASSIGNED TO MARINE UNITS, AND CIVILIAN SUPERVISORS. COMMANDERS AND SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISORS DOWN TO THE BATTALION/SQUADRON/DETACHMENT LEVEL WILL CONDUCT THE TIER 3 TRAINING OF THEIR MARINES, SAILORS, AND CIVILIAN SUPERVISORS. FACE-TO-FACE DELIVERY BY COMMANDERS AND OFFICERS IN CHARGE (OIC) IS THE PRIMARY METHOD. PERSONNEL UNABLE TO ATTEND A COMMANDER/OIC TRAINING AND EDUCATION BRIEF (E.G., GEOGRAPHICALLY ISOLATED, PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION/LEAVE, ETC.) WILL BE DIRECTED TO COMPLETE THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING VA MARINENET. TRAINING AND EDUCATION BRIEF WILL BE AVAILABLE ON MARINENET ON 1 MARCH 2011. TIER 3 TRAINING AND EDUCATION SHOULD BE COMPLETE BY 31 MAY 2011.

5. REPORTING PROCEDURES
A. ON A BI-MONTHLY BASIS, COMMANDERS WILL REPORT THEIR TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRESS THROUGH THEIR CHAIN OF COMMAND. MARFORS WILL REPORT PROGRESS TO THE DIRECTOR, MARINE CORPS STAFF. SPECIFIC REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE PROVIDED VIA SEPARATE MARADMIN.
B. COMMANDERS WILL ENSURE COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND EDUCATION IS DOCUMENTED IN THE MARINE CORPS TOTAL FORCE SYSTEM (MCTFS) VIA THE MARINE ONLINE TRAINING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR UNIT DIARY/MANPOWER INTEGRATED PERSONNEL SYSTEM (UD/MIPS).
C. CIVILIAN SUPERVISORS WILL REPORT COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND EDUCATION TO THEIR RESPECTIVE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE (HRO). THE HRO WILL REPORT THE TRAINING AND EDUCATION TO THE CIVILIAN WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT BRANCH (MPC), MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT.

6. UPON REPEAL OF THE DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL LAW, THE BELOW LISTED MARINE CORPS ORDERS AND DIRECTIVES WILL BE UPDATED. A MARINE CORPS BULLETIN WILL BE RELEASED TO PROMULGATE THE CHANGES.
A. MARINE CORPS MANUAL.
B. MCO 1040.31, ENLISTED RETENTION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
C. MCO P1100.72C W/CH 1, MILITARY PERSONNEL PROCUREMENT MANUAL, VOLUME 2, ENLISTED PROCUREMENT.
D. MCO P1100.75D, PERSONNEL PROCUREMENT MILITARY ENTRANCE PROCESSING STATION (MEPS).
E. MCO 1130.80A, PRIOR SERVICE AND RESERVE AUGMENTATION ENLISTMENTS INTO THE REGULAR MARINE CORPS.
F. MCO 1752.5A, SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROGRAM.
G. MCO P1900.16F, MARINE CORPS SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT MANUAL.
H. NAVMC DIRECTIVE 5040.6H, MARINE CORPS READINESS INSPECTIONS AND ASSESSMENTS.
I. MCO 5530.14A, MARINE CORPS PHYSICAL SECURITY PROGRAM MANUAL.
J. MCO 7220R.38C SELECTED RESERVE INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

7. GUIDANCE CONCERNING NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE OF TRAINING AT LOCAL COMMANDS WILL BE PUBLISHED VIA SEPARATE CORRESPONDENCE SUBSEQUENT TO RECEIPT OF DOD INSTRUCTIONS. UNTIL THEN, FORWARD ANY MEDIA REQUESTS CONCERNING REPEAL IMPLEMENTATION VIA THE LOCAL PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICES TO HQMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION.

8. THIS MESSAGE IS APPLICABLE TO THE MARINE CORPS TOTAL FORCE.

83% of Kentuckians Support Fairness for LGBT Families!

From the Kentucky Fairness Alliance

Today, the Kentucky Fairness Alliance is pleased to announce that a statewide survey commissioned by the Fairness Coalition shows that Kentuckians continue to believe that everyone should be afforded the opportunity to earn a living, put a roof over their heads, and have dinner at their favorite restaurant without being turned away just because someone doesn’t like who they are.

83% of registered Kentucky voters agree that gay and transgender people should be protected from discrimination in the workplace, in housing, and in restaurants or other forms of public accommodations.

Public opinion has come a long way since the last available data in 2004, when only 65% of voters supported these same non-discrimination protections. And while providing the same legal protections for gay couples as straight couples lags in the polls – currently 70% support compared to 63% in 2004 – Kentuckians believe in fairness for hardworking gay and transgender employees who simply want to earn a living and provide for their families, just like everybody else.

Read the survey results (including Congressional district breakdowns) here.

Down To Business: Corporate Equality Index 2011

The Human Rights Campaign recently released its 9th annual Corporate Equality Index 2011: Rating American Workplaces on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender Equality.

This report assesses American workplaces on LGBT equality. For the first time this year, all Fortune 500 companies, including those that did not voluntary participate, are scored on their workplace practices.

The report evaluates more than 30 specific policies and practices covering aspects of employment for LGBT workers from non-discrimination protections and the training surrounding those policies to domestic partnership and legal dependent benefits to gender transition guidelines and LGBT employee resource groups.

(The report also discusses new criteria for future studies that will go into effect next year, as well as discusses how the evaluation process has changed over time. The new standards will include 18 additional criteria that relate to benefits discrimination for transgender employees and dependents, full equal benefits for same-sex partners and spouses, and organizational competency on LGBT workplace issues that go beyond written policies.)

A total of 337 major U.S. businesses earned the top rating of 100 percent, up from 305 last year .

A few of the survey’s highlights:

• Corporate America protects LGBT workers from discrimination and provides benefits in ways that our own government does not. While only 29% of the U.S. population lives in states with statewide non-discrimination statutes that specify sexual orientation and gender identity, 99% of CEI-rated companies include sexual orientation and 76% include sexual orientation and gender identity in their non-discrimination policies. In 2002, only 5% of CEI-rated companies included gender identity among their non-discrimination policies.
• In 2004, only 3% of CEI-rated companies addressed transgender health with limited benefit offerings. Today, 79% of CEI-rated companies provide this limited coverage and 85 companies specifically, including Google, Coca Cola, and AT&T, offer at least one healthcare plan option to all employees that covers many medically necessary transition-related treatments, including hormone therapies and sexual affirmation surgeries.
• In 2002, 70% of CEI-rated companies provided domestic partnership healthcare benefits. Today, 95% of CEI-rated companies provide that coverage.

Several high-profile companies did not respond to HRC’s invitation to be rated. Notable non-responders include Pottery Barn and West Elm (both part of Williams-Sonoma Inc.), Bed Bath & Beyond, Dillard’s, PetSmart, Western Union, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Winn-Dixie Stores Inc., Tyson Foods, AFLAC, Foot Locker, DirecTV and News Corp. (owner of both Fox News and HarperCollins Publishers).

(Fifteen points were deducted from the otherwise perfect scores of Target, Best Buy, and 3M for failing to respond to requests to take corrective actions following their sizable contributions to MN Forward, a political committee supporting the election of an anti-gay candidate for governor of Minnesota.)

The report was released on the eve of this year's Out & Equal Workplace Summit.

Cyndi Lauper Cares, and Asks You To, Too!

Cyndi Lauper has been a staunch straight ally to the LGBT community for years and years, and she's shown great willingness to put her money where her mouth is. (And you know what her mouth's like - it goes all over the place, so that's a lot of money!)

Back in April, she launched a new campaign and website to bring attention to issues of discrimination against the LGBT community. She did it with a slight twist, though - her "Give A Damn" campaign actively works to get straight allies to come on board and work against homophobia. She's already gotten several big names celebrities (gay and straight) to participate, including:

• Whoopi Goldberg
• Jason Mraz
• Elton John
• Judith Light
• Cynthia Nixon
• Kim Kardashian
• Clay Aiken
• Sharon Osbourne
• Kelly Osbourne
• Anna Paquin

• 
  

"The Give a Damn Campaign is for everybody who cares about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality.

But, it’s especially for all you straight people out there! Whether you’re already an active supporter, want to show your support for the first time, or hadn’t given equality a lot of thought before and now want to learn more, we are here to help you get informed about the issues and get involved, at a pace that works for you.

You’ll find a lot of useful information throughout this site—information that’ll engage you, surprise you and move you. You will also find a bunch of ways to get involved and show your support and encourage your straight peers to show theirs as well.

For all you gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender folks—we need and want you here, too! Because this site is also for you. Not only will you learn new things that might surprise and interest you, you’ll also find a lot of useful tools and resources that will help you encourage the straight people in your life to give a damn.

Like we said, the Give a Damn Campaign is for everyone. Because the only way we can truly achieve equality for all is if we all get informed and get involved. So join us today and let us know you give a damn!"

Another interesting aspect of her campaign is the issues that it covers. It includes some of the less common topic areas, like aging, faith, and immigration. Issues include:

• Workplace Discrimination
• Hate Crimes
• Military
• Marriage
• Youth | School
• Youth | Suicide
• Youth | Homelessness
• Older Adults
• Faith
• Parenting
• Health Care
• Immigration

Check it out. There are cool videos and personal stories and bloggy bits. And share it with your friends and family, especially your straight ones. Equality and fairness benefit everyone, not just the people that are actively discriminated against.

Until everyone is equal, no one is.

(And Cyndi Lauper's 2008 album, "Bring Ya To The Brink," is simply amazing. If you haven't checked it out yet, do! It's dance-y and fabulous! And supporting artists that support us also supports the community and efforts for equality.)

ACT NOW! The ENDA Summer

The window for passing the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is rapidly closing, but there's still a chance to get it passed, and you can help!

ENDA has a record number of cosponsors in the House. That means we have a real chance to get ENDA passed. Despite broad support, though, our allies in Congress are refusing to even put ENDA on the agenda.

With midterm elections just around the corner and a very real possibility that the next Congress will be more hostile to LGBT equality, we must act now!

Currently it is still perfectly legal for employers in 29 states to fire someone for their sexual orientation and in 38 states to fire someone for their gender identity or expression. North Carolina has no employment non-discrimination protections for any LGBT folks.

ENDA would be a huge step forward for LGBT equality in the country (though we'll still need state-level protections to fully protect workers!).

The folks from Congress are currently back in their home districts trying to save their jobs in upcoming elections, but gay folks are left waiting for this legislation that would protect ours. Without federal job protections, millions of LGBT Americans are in danger of losing their jobs at any time in an arbitrary, capricious manner.

The threat of being fired for who you are also reinforces the closet, intimidating many folks into hiding their lives for fear of repercussions. It's much harder to be out if you're worried about being fired for it!

This is a moral issue for all Americans, not just gay ones. Everyone benefits when the best person is hired for a position, and it reassures everyone when people are evaluated based on their skills and abilities and performance instead of some intrinsic, irrelevant characteristic. Without ENDA, anyone could be discriminated against for not conforming to gender stereotypes, or fired for acting “too gay.”

GetEQUAL has put together a plan of action for their "ENDA Summer" campaign. They've targeted specific legislators to push on this issue, and two of them are here in North Carolina. For more information and to take action, go to their "Fighting for ENDA in North Carolina" page.

"Mike McIntyre is a Democratic Representative who has a track record out of line with the party's platform of LGBT equality. He opposed ENDA in 2007, opposed Hate Crimes last year, and opposed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this year. He is, of course, leaning no on ENDA if it comes up for a vote this year.

Heath Shuler is a also Democratic Representative with the same anti-LGBT track record as Rep. McIntyre. He opposed ENDA in 2007, opposed Hate Crimes last year, and opposed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this year. He is also, of course, leaning no on ENDA if it comes up for a vote this year.

There are other states in which GetEQUAL is targeting Republicans, specifically those who serve heavily LGBT constituencies, yet continue to vote against LGBT equality. In North Carolina, however, Democrats who vote against LGBT equality AND who vote against their own party's platform must be held accountable. Since the Democratic party continues to fund these lawmakers, it is up to us to let them know that voting against us is not OK."

It's easy enough to do something. Take action, and make a difference, now!

What the activist saw ...

... at last night's LGBT Pride Month reception in the White House. Equality NC's Executive Director Ian Palmquist was in attendance.

You can watch the video here at the White House's website.

Here's the text:

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, hello, hello! (Applause.) Hello, everybody! (Applause.) I was going to say welcome to the White House -- but you guys seem like you feel right at home. (Laughter.) You don't need me to tell you -- it’s the people’s house.

A couple of acknowledgements that I want to make very quickly -- first of all, our Director of the Office of Personnel Management, who has just done an extraordinary job across the government -- give John Berry a big round of applause. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER: All right, John.

THE PRESIDENT: All right, John! (Laughter.)

Our chair of the Export/Import Bank, helping to bring jobs here to the United States of America -- Fred Hochberg. (Applause.) Our chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, doing outstanding work each and every day -- Nancy Sutley. Where is she? (Applause.) Nancy is a little vertically challenged, but I see her over there. (Laughter.)

We've got here a trailblazer for federal appointees -- we are so proud of her -- Ms. Roberta Achtenberg is here. Give Roberta a big round of applause. (Applause.) And then I understand we've got a terrific country singer -- Chely Wright is in the house. (Applause.)

In addition -- I know they had to leave because they had votes, but you guys obviously don't have just fiercer warriors on your behalf than a couple of our openly gay and lesbian members of Congress -- Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis. (Applause.) They are openly terrific. (Laughter.) They do great work.

And it is also great to have so many activists and organizers from around the country -- folks who fight every day for the rights of parents and children and partners and citizens to be treated equally under the law. And so we are very proud of all of you. (Applause.)

Oh, and by the way, the guy standing next to me -- this is Joe Biden. (Applause.) Just because he’s a Phillies fan -- he’s from Delaware. (Laughter.)

Now, look, the fact that we’ve got activists here is important because it’s a reminder that change never comes -- or at least never begins in Washington. It begins with acts of compassion -– and sometimes defiance -– across America. It begins when ordinary people –- out of love for a mother or a father, son or daughter, or husband or wife -– speak out against injustices that have been accepted for too long. And it begins when these impositions of conscience start opening hearts that had been closed, and when we finally see each other’s humanity, whatever our differences.

Now, this struggle is as old as America itself. It’s never been easy. But standing here, I am hopeful. One year ago, in this room, we marked the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall protests. (Applause.) Some of you were here, and you may remember that I pledged then that even at a time when we faced enormous challenges both on the economy and in our foreign policy, that we would not put aside matters of basic equality. And we haven’t.

We’ve got a lot of hard work that we still have to do, but we can already point to extraordinary progress that we’ve made over the past year on behalf of Americans who are gay and lesbian, bisexual and transgender.

Just stay with me here for a second. Last year, I met with Judy Shepard, Matthew Shepard’s mom, and I promised her that after a decade’s-long struggle, we would pass inclusive hate crimes legislation. I promised that in the name of her son we would ensure that the full might of the law is brought down on those who would attack somebody just because they are gay. And less than six months later, with Judy by my side, we marked the enactment of the Matthew Shepard Act. It’s now the law of the land. (Applause.)

Just a few moments ago, I met with Janice Langbehn and her children. Where did Janice go? There they are right there. And when Janice’s partner of 18 years, Lisa, suddenly collapsed because of an aneurysm, Janice and the couple’s three kids were denied the chance to comfort their partner and their mom -- barred from Lisa’s bedside. It was wrong. It was cruel. And in part because of their story, I instructed my Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, to make sure that any hospital that’s participating in Medicare or Medicaid -– that means most hospitals -- (laughter) -- allow gay and lesbian partners the same privileges and visitation rights as straight partners. (Applause.)

After I issued that memorandum, I called Janice and I told her the news. And before we came out here today, I wanted to make sure that I had followed up -- Secretary Sebelius will officially be proposing this regulation. And I can also announce that the Secretary has sent a letter today asking these hospitals to adopt these changes now -– even before the rule takes effect. (Applause.) Nothing can undo the hurt that her -- that Janice’s family has experienced. And nothing can undo the pain felt by countless others who’ve been through a similar ordeal –- for example, Charlene Strong is here. She lost her wife, Kate Fleming -- and Charlene is here along with Kate’s mom, who said on behalf of all mothers, thank you. Because we think it’s the right thing to do. (Applause.)

In addition, I’ve issued an executive order[SIC]* to extend as many partnership benefits to gay and lesbian federal employees as possible under current law. And I’m going to continue to fight to change the law: to guarantee gay federal employees the exact same benefits as straight employees -– including access to health insurance and retirement plans. (Applause.) And in an announcement today, the Department of Labor made clear that under the Family and Medical Leave Act, same-sex couples –- as well as others raising children -– are to be treated like the caretakers that they are. (Applause.)

Because I believe in committed -- I believe that committed gay and lesbian couples deserve the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country, I have called for Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. (Applause.) We are pushing hard to pass an inclusive employee non-discrimination bill. (Applause.) No one in America should be fired because they’re gay. It’s not right, it’s not who we are as Americans, and we are going to put a stop to it.

And finally, we’re going to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. (Applause.) That is a promise I made as a candidate. It is a promise that I reiterated as President. It’s one that this administration is going to keep. Now, the only way to lock this in -– the only way to get the votes in Congress to roll back this policy -- is if we work with the Pentagon, who are in the midst of two wars.

And that’s why we were gratified to see, for the first time ever, the Secretary of Defense, Bob Gates, testify in favor of repeal. And the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen, has repeatedly and passionately argued for allowing gay men and women to serve honestly in the military. (Applause.) We know that forcing gay and lesbian soldiers to live a lie or to leave the military, that doesn’t contribute to our security -- it harms our security.

And thanks to Patrick Murphy and others, for the first time in history, the House has passed a repeal that would allow gay men and women to openly serve in our armed forces. And this repeal is authored so that the Pentagon can complete its review of the policy -- which is critical, by the way, not only to passage, but it’s also critical to making sure that the change is accepted and implemented effectively. In the Senate, the Armed Services Committee has approved repeal for the first time, and the full body is poised to vote soon.

So here’s the bottom line: We have never been closer to ending this discriminatory policy. And I’m going to keep on fighting until that bill is on my desk and I can sign it. (Applause.)

Of course, ultimately, change is about more than just policies in our government. And that’s why I want to close by recognizing all the young people who are here -– I had a chance to take a bunch of pictures with them, just really impressive folks who are advocating on their behalf. I know there are some in the audience who have experienced pain in their lives, who at times have been -- felt like outcasts, who have been scorned or bullied, and I know that there are families here on behalf of loved ones who are no longer with us, some in part because of the particularly difficult challenges that gay men and women still face.

This is a reminder that we all have an obligation to ensure that no young person is ever made to feel worthless or alone -- ever. Now, at the same time, I think there’s plenty of reason to have some hope for many of the young people including those who are here today. They’ve shown incredible courage and incredible integrity -- standing up for who they are. They’ve refused to be anything less than themselves.

And we all remember being young -- sort of. (Laughter.) But it’s not easy. It’s not easy standing up all the time and being who you are. But they're showing us the way forward. These young people are helping to build a more perfect union, a nation where all of us are equal; each of us is free to pursue our own versions of happiness.

And I believe because of them that the future is bright. It’s certainly bright for them. Of course, it does depend on all of us. It depends on the efforts of government and the activism of ordinary citizens like yourselves. It depends on the love of families and the support of communities. And I want you all to know that as this work continues, I’m going to be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you, fighting by your side every step of the way. (Applause.)

So, thank you. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)

ACT NOW: Down To the Wire ... ENDA and DADT

Our best chance to address two major pieces of LGBT-related federal legislation is coming up this week.

Congress could vote on two key pieces of legislation that will mean a fairer workplace for millions of LGBT Americans. Every phone call we make now has double the impact. Here's why:

1) The House of Representatives is considering the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which bans workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. It is time to vote this historic bill out of committee and move to a full floor vote.

2) In addition, both the House and the Senate have a real opportunity to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), the unfair policy that keeps patriotic LGBT Americans from serving openly in the armed forces - the biggest employer in the country.

A vote is expected on May 27, and Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), (202) 224-6342, serves on the Armed Services Committee and is in a critical position to make a positive difference.

For repeal to be included in the Senate version of the Defense Authorization bill, we need to reach 15 votes on the committee. And that's where we need your help - right now.

We've been asking for your help to move these Senators for months. If you've already called - call again. Urge your Senator to vote for DADT repeal this week. Just one vote on the committee could make the difference between victory and defeat.

Call today and say that waiting another year for repeal is not an option.

In summary:

• Call your Representative and tell him or her to repeal DADT and pass ENDA now. (Simply call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121,give the operator your zip code and ask to be connected to your Representative.) Or send an email: Go to www.house.gov and click on"Write Your Representative."
• Tell both your Senators to repeal DADT now. Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), (202) 224-6342, is in a critical position to make a positive difference and needs to hear from LGBT folks and allies. (You can also call the Capitol switchboard (202-224-3121) or go to www.senate.gov and click on "Find
  Your Senators.")
• Forward this information to your friends and urge them to call or email their members of Congress.

We need laws that protect, not discriminate against LGBT people. Don't let this moment pass without doing everything you can to stop discrimination.

Got Milk? Also SUCCESS from Mon!

This Saturday, May 22, is a day of note for all LGBT and allied folks.

This is Harvey Milk's birthday, and a state government (California) has made it a holiday.

Public schools throughout California will be encouraged to conduct lessons “remembering the life of Harvey Milk, recognizing his accomplishments and familiarizing pupils with contributions he made.” Harvey is only the second Californian to receive this honor. (Conservationist John Muir was the first, and he's since got his picture on the CA quarter.)

The historical contributions of gay folks are often omitted from education. Silence and shame have prevented or obscured the LGBT identity of many historical figures.

Harvey Milk, whose motto was “come out, come out, wherever you are” (along with "I'm here to recruit you!"), is quite appropriate as the first LGBT figure to be officially recognized with a day of significance for championing gay rights.

Seeing a gay person celebrated should provide a boost to all of us, and for LGBT folks considering suicide, it may even provide a lifeline. Visiblity is critical for showing that LGBT issues are simply human issues.

==========
UPDATE: If you took action on Monday's blog, be proud! It worked! We won! The Department of Energy released the following statement:

"Some of Professor Katz's controversial writings have become a distraction from the critical work of addressing the oil spill. Professor Katz will no longer be involved in the Department's efforts."

Thank you for helping us make this happen. It's easy to feel like online activism doesn't make a difference, and here is literal evidence that it, in fact, really does!

Have Your Heard? A Few Steps Forward ...

Bad news always seems to be louder than good news. We become so accustomed to hearing how opposition groups have done something to stop equality that it's easy to miss the bits where equality actually moves forward.

The news is especially heartening when it occurs down here in the South, which is often characterized as being less progressive and inclusive.

Recently we've had two southern LGBT-positive news items that may not have gotten the lion's share of press but are certainly positive:

In Atlanta, a Lutheran church is reinstating a gay pastor and his partner to its clergy roster.

Rev. Bradley Schmeling and the Rev. Darin Easler have been approved for reinstatement to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Schmeling had previously served as pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Atlanta but was removed from the church’s clergy roster in 2007 for being in a same-gender relationship with Easler.

Last month the church revised ministry policy documents to make it possible for “eligible Lutherans in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships” to serve as clergy.

Now that's some real good news!

Meanwhile, down in Florida, Leon County (which includes state capital Tallahassee) voted 5-2 to broaden its human rights ordinance to support gay folks.

The changes provided stronger protections from discrimination for LGBT folks in four areas: general provisions, employment discrimination, equal access to places of public accommodations, and fair housing.

Finally, though it's not in the South (of the United States, at least!), also be sure to check out the latest "Sports Illustrated," which has a profile of recently-out Welsh rugby player - called the "The World's Bravest Athlete" on the magazine cover - in the article "Gareth Thomas ... The Only Openly Gay Male Athlete."

America doesn't have an out and proud gay male athlete yet, but his time, whoever he is, is coming.

In the meantime, let's take pride in what we have. Baby steps forward are still steps.

Act Now: Beginning to ENDA

In case you missed it, there's a big push now to get a vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. It's happening now, and you can help!

Last Thursday House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House Education & Labor Committee is working hard to “have the strongest possible bill” and she believes a floor vote “will be soon.”

She added that she and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer have agreed that ENDA will come to the floor as soon as the House Education & Labor Committee is ready to report out the legislation.

LGBT advocates have been pushing Pelosi to bring ENDA to a House floor vote. Supporters of ENDA were also arrested in Pelosi’s offices in D.C. and San Francisco last month after they staged sit-in protests to draw more attention to the measure.

While federal ENDA wouldn't cover all North Carolina employees - which is why Equality NC's statewide employment non-discrimination work is so important - it would be a huge step forward.

To get more information and take action, go to the Equality Federation, United ENDA, HRC, and/or PFLAG.

No Longer To Serve in Silence ...

On May 11, veterans from all over America will go to Washington to tell their members of congress that it’s time to repeal the failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. This day is Veterans Lobby Day on DADT.

Now is the time to put pressure on Congress to act this year. The window for action is limited, and we have a very short time to generate enough grassroots pressure.

This lobby day will take place immediately before the National Defense Authorization Act – the bill that should contain DADT repeal language – is drafted on Capitol Hill.

The Human Rights Campaign and Servicemembers United, in partnership with the Service Women’s Action Network, the Truman Project, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and Vote Vets, are coordinating efforts to make this the largest lobby day of its kind.

If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran or active duty service member, visit www.VeteransLobbyDay.org today to find out how you can help. You’ll find all the information you need to plan your trip and officially register to be a part of this historic day. This lobby day is less than a month away, so don’t wait - sign up today!

For more information or if you have questions, please contact Veterans Lobby Day staff at repealDADT@hrc.org.

DADT-ism

The federal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, which prohibits LGBT folks from serving openly and honestly in the nation's military, is filled with bigotry and prejudice.

I don't mean it's homophobic, which is obvious and the policy's entire point. Instead, I'm referring to it's presumably unintended consequences of racism and sexism.

The Service Women's Action Network (SWAN), an organization dedicated to helping women servicemembers and vets, has produced a great fact sheet (PDF) on these discriminatory effects of DADT.

SWAN has publicly opposed DADT since its inception, arguing that not only is it discriminatory, but it also plays into the hands of racists, misogynists, and homo/transpobes. They also argue that it can be used as a blackmail tool by sexual predators in the military who threaten to use it to blackmail servicefolks.

According to their fact sheet:

DADT disproportionately affects women. Although women made up 15% of the armed forces in 2008, 34% of service members discharged were women. The impact of DADT on women varies according to service branch. For example, women comprised only 20% of the Air Force yet made up 62% of Air Force discharges. Racial minorities are also disproportionately affected by Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Non-white active duty service members represent 29.4% of the total military population, but comprise 45% of all DADT discharges in 2008. Service Branch/Percent Women Discharged Under DADT/Percent Women Serving in Branch:

• Army 36% 14%
• Navy 23% 15%
• Marine Corps 18% 6%
• Air Force 62% 20%

Race/Ethnic Group Percent discharged under DADT:

• White (non-Hispanic) 55%
• Black 20%
• Hispanic 9%
• Asian/Pacific Islander 8%
• American Indian 3%
• Other/Unknown 5%

Note the huge disproportions between the representative populations and the discharge percentages. Obviously women and racial minorities are being targeted under this policy, either expressly or subliminally.

SWAN also notes:

In addition to being formally excluded from the military, LGBT service members also endure informal discriminatory treatment from their peers and superiors in the military. Service members suspected of homosexuality are frequently harassed, mocked, and generally experience hostile treatment based on their real or perceived sexual orientation.

Women are especially vulnerable to so-called lesbian baiting, defined as “the practice of pressuring women for sex and sexually harassing women by using the threat of calling them lesbians as a means of intimidation.” Women in the military who do not conform to gender stereotypes or refuse to engage in sexual activity with men are at risk of being labeled a lesbian. Some of the increased scrutiny of service women’s sexuality is undoubtedly the result of women’s hyper-visibility in the military, along with the attitude that women do not belong in service.

Transgender individuals also endure many forms of exclusion in the military. In the first place, individuals who have undergone genital surgery in order to change their gender may be denied the opportunity to serve in the military at all. Furthermore, individuals diagnosed with “gender identity disorder” are barred from serving in the military, which effectively excludes most open transgender individuals. They are subject to harassment, hostile treatment, and are generally unwelcome in the military. Also, even though transgender servicememers are not necessarily gay, lesbian, or bisexual, they may be assumed to be and thus targeted under DADT.

A new poll commissioned by The Vet Voice Foundation and conducted jointly by Republican and Democratic pollsters finds that most veterans are “comfortable around gay and lesbian people, believe that being gay or lesbian has no bearing on a service member’s ability to perform their duties, and would find it acceptable if gay and lesbian people were allowed to serve openly in the military."

Obviously it's time - past time! - the United States ditches the failed DADT policy, which not only prevents LGBT servicemembers from serving honestly with honor and dignity, but also fosters other bigotries and stereotypes.

Our servicefolks deserve better, and so does our country.

Asking and Telling About Serving

Two recent polls have shown strong public support for open service by LGBT Americans in the military.

Currently, almost 14,000 qualified men and women have been discharged from the military under the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy (DADT), which only allows LGBT folks to serve if they conceal their sexual orientation. Many thousands more have chosen to not re-enlist because of the policy. Enforcing and implementing this policy has cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, and our armed service has suffered from the additional stress placed on its LGBT servicemembers and their families.

The American public does not support this discrimination, however, and wants it to change.

Even here in North Carolina, with its long Southern history of social conservatism, most people believe gay people should be able to serve openly in the armed services, like they do in Israel, England, Canada, and our other allied countries.

Public Policy Polling released this information a couple of weeks ago:

"We've seen a lot of national polling recently showing support for allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military but we wondered: Would that hold true even in a military heavy, historically conservative southern state like North Carolina?"

"The answer is yes. 50% of North Carolinians support repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' compared to 40% who are opposed to it. Most notably 59% of independents favor letting gays serve openly even as they simultaneously express majority disapproval of Barack Obama. This is not nearly the party line issue that something like health care is - while just 5% of Republicans support the President's agenda on that 26% of them are for scrapping DADT."

"Public opinion on gays in the military reflects the growing progressivism of North Carolina's population. Rural voters are strongly opposed to it but their proportion of the electorate is declining while suburbia's share rises, and suburban voters strongly favor allowing gays to serve openly. Republicans will probably have a good year in the state this time around but that doesn't change the fact that the state is moving gradually away from some of its more conservative attitudes."

Full results here."

Similarly, the Center for American Progress' recent poll supports these data:

"A majority of American voters support the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the U.S. military’s policy that bans openly gay men and lesbians from serving in the armed forces.

The poll is the most extensive of a number of recent surveys tracking public opinions on this issue and undeniably shows that the American public has become increasingly supportive of open service. Voters recognize as our country fights two different wars that it is critical for the military to make recruiting decisions based on a soldier’s skills—not his or her sexual orientation. This finding is echoed by other polls on the issue conducted over the past year.

Key findings

CAP’s poll, fielded by Greenberg, Quinlan, Rosner Research, finds that a solid majority of likely voters support allowing openly gay men and lesbians to serve in the U.S. military: 54 percent of those surveyed support repealing the current ban on open service, with just 35 percent opposed to repeal. These numbers demonstrate a massive change in public opinion on this issue since 1994, when polls showed that majorities of Americans opposed gay men and lesbians serving in the military.

The poll also shows that:

• Voters value skills over sexual orientation: Sixty percent believe that with the United States in the middle of two wars, the military needs every talented woman and man it can get regardless of a person’s sexual orientation. Similar numbers say that they do not think gays and lesbians will harm unit cohesion or morale.
• DADT repeal is not a politically polarizing issue: Among likely voters, 68 percent of Democrats, 55 percent of independents, and 41 percent of Republicans support repeal. What’s more, 56 percent of voters in House of Representatives battleground districts and 56 percent in Senate battleground states support repeal.
• Voters do not want to defer to the military on DADT: A clear majority—63 percent—would not change their opinion on DADT repeal even if the U.S. military was opposed to open service by gays and lesbians.
• Voters are becoming more accepting of gays and lesbians overall: Nearly 30 percent said that they have become more accepting of gays and lesbians in the past 5 to 10 years. Only 11 percent became less accepting.

Download this memo (pdf)"

America is engaged in two wars, and the public believes it's time to repeal DADT and make military service contingent on abilities, not bigotry.

Act Now: ENDA Lobby Day, 3/16

On Tuesday, March 16, the National Center for Transgender Equality is sponsoring a lobby day specifically for the national Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in Washington, DC. LGBT people and allies from around the country who support ENDA will be there, and we need folks from North Carolina.

It is particularly important to ENDA that people attend from the eight states in which Senators are on the fence, including North Carolina, where Senator Kay Hagan is still undecided. These states include:

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Indiana
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• West Virginia

There will also be a policy conference, lobby training, and phone bank on Sunday and Monday, March 14 and 15. Registration for all of this is free.

ENDA is closer to passing than ever before.

The House has enough votes (223 likely yes votes, which is five more than a majority). There are 29 unconfirmed votes, many of which will probably be favorable.

Here's where our Reps stand (brought to you by the "Inclusive ENDA" Facebook Campaign):

	Definite Yes	Probable Yes	Probable No	Definite No
NORTH CAROLINA
G. K. Butterfield		x
Bob Etheridge		x
Walter B. Jones			x
David E. Price	x
Virginia Foxx			x
Howard Coble				x
Mike McIntyre			x
Larry Kissell		x
Sue Wilkins Myrick			x
Patrick T. McHenry			x
Heath Shuler			x
Melvin L. Watt	x
Brad Miller	x

The Senate, however, is missing a few votes. There are 55 likely yes votes (again, five more than a majority), but 60 votes would be needed if there were a filibuster.

That's where the list of states above come in. Senators in those states - including, surprisingly, our Senator Kay Hagan - are unconfirmed. Based on their previous positions they may support ENDA, but only if people from their states talk to them in sufficient numbers.

Here's info on Senators (also brought to you by the "Inclusive ENDA" Facebook Campaign):

		Unconfirmed	Confirmed no
Richard Burr (R-NC)	NC		x
Kay Hagan (D-NC)	NC	x

To make federal employment nondiscrimination happen, we need to have North Carolinians there at ENDA Lobbdy Day.

Travel can be expensive, though, but Dr. Julian T. Weiss of the Bilerico Project is willing to help folks get there.

"If you would like to come to DC for the lobby day, and you are unemployed because of sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination, and you are from one of these crucial states, I think our community should help get you there. After all, you are the ones who need this legislation. I have talked to some people who are behind ENDA 100%, and ready to put their money where their mouth is."

"If you would like to come to DC for the lobby day, and you currently reside in one of the states listed above, and you are currently unemployed because of sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination, send an email to me at jillian@bilerico.com describing your situation and how your presence in DC for the lobby day would make a difference for your US Senator."

"I cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate you, but I will make every effort to accommodate all those whose presence would make a difference. Please be as specific as possible in your email about how your presence would make a difference. Include your name, email address and telephone number. The subject line should read "DC LOBBY DAY ASSISTANCE REQUEST." Please send your email no later than March 5, 2010."

Not only is this the best chance for ENDA to pass than we've ever had before, but this is also an amazing opprotunity to individually, directly affect an important piece of national legislation.

I Want Total Justice and Inclusion for All Trans Persons

by ENC supporter Kyle B. as part of ENC's "I Want" initiative. Crossposted from his blog.

Equality NC is running a campaign called "Picturing Equality" wherein people submit pictures holding a sign of what they hope will be accomplished in whole or in part this year. That is my entry, but what do the words really mean?

The plight of the trans individual in our modern world is so broad that it's very hard to pinpoint into one single idea. In a developed nation, they may feel that it is hard to come out, live as themselves, find proper care to assist in transition, find a welcoming workplace, or just get basic love and support from those around them. In a developing nation, it is almost an act of suicide to attempt a name change or walk down the street in their gender's clothes. Simplistic as those lists are, they are valid global concerns and must be addressed.

Justice to me means full liberty, complete availability of resources and support, and no unnecessary scrutiny. No person should fear savage beatings and rape, occupational discrimination, or constant doubt and defiance. No person should ever have to feel alone in their struggle, and there should always be somewhere or someone to go to regardless of socioeconomic status should a person ever feel that way. This should be universal, trans persons should not merely be lucky to be in a specific area or require an expensive move to have access to quality care and support.

Those that would transgress against a trans person for the mere fact of their gender identity or expression should be dealt with in the manner in which it is most fitting. Nobody should be able to get a pass on transaggression and violence simply due to our cultural standards of binary gender classification. This applies not only to the common thug on the street, but to the organizations that promote themselves as gender or queer oriented that have repeatedly ignored the trans community outright or in pursuit of their own goals.

Inclusion does not only refer to social inclusion, it also refers to full inclusion into the concerns, campaigns, and activities of the larger queer community. We can't afford to leave some of us behind while we fight for our own rights. We can't relish in the winning of marriage equality for gays and lesbians when Brazilian transwomen of color are still being beaten and killed for their gender identities. Nothing we do can wantonly ignore that or any of the other acts of anti-trans violence that are still occurring present day, and if we do we can count ourselves no better than those we fight against.

I want to speak to the usage of the word "all" in that sign, because it is important to highlight just how much class has an effect on the issues I'm discussing. All is not just the rich among us, those of us who can afford to move to more accepting areas, pay for elective surgeries, and wait around on just the right job to allow ourselves to really thrive. All is everyone, every single person who goes through the trauma of discovering they are not like everyone else and must now become true to themselves before it destroys them. Every person who grows up thinking they are a mistake in one way or another. Everyone who fights internally and/or with others just for the privilege of being themselves. We all deserve to be who we are, and we all deserve access to the resources that will help us get there without fear of repression, violence, or exclusion.

That is what I Want.

"I Do"s Coming to DC, LGBT Protections in East Point, GA

At the end of 2009, there's been more good news from the South.

Washington DC’s City Council has voted for marriage equality in the nation’s capital. Mayor Adrian Fenty has signed the bill, which was co-sponsored by 10 of the city council’s 13 members.

The law has to be reviewed by Congress, which has the final say on DC's laws. Lawmakers appear unlikely to intervene though, so gay couples could be legally marrying in Washington by March.

Meanwhile, the town of East Point, GA, has made smaller headlines by joining a handful of other cities in that state to adopt protections for its gay and transgender employees. The local law, which passed unanimously, prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The city has had domestic partner benefits since 2005, and the city charter also includes a Bill of Rights section that says the city will not adopt any laws that intentionally discriminate against gays and lesbians.

Atlanta, Decatur and Doraville are other Georgia cities that protect LGBT employees. The cities of Chamblee and Clarkston prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation but not gender identity.

These are the incremental local changes that pave the path towards equality and fairness. This is why local activism and simple visibility is so important, whether its in your town, your workplace, or your neighborhood.

People often dismiss the South as being intolerant and backwards, but the reality is that it's like anywhere else, with pockets of prejudice but also pockets of progress. We just need to help make sure the right pockets grow bigger.